In a letter to the editor published April 9, Daren Keller stated that the York County Sheriff’s office “reported 100 calls of service involving Bentley’s Saloon.” That statement is untrue. As the sheriff explained to the Arundel Planning Board March 25, his report included any calls using the name “Bentley’s Saloon” as a reference to the vicinity of the call. He could not say exactly how many calls actually involved the saloon.

The writer goes on to find it insulting that people from away enjoy themselves at Bentley’s. He is overlooking the fact it Saloon has become an economic driver for Arundel. Bentley’s patrons have discretionary money and are not afraid to spend it. Hence the support the saloon has from neighboring businesses. He also neglected to tell your readers that Bentley’s Saloon paid out close to $15,000 last year for added police presence and a noise study that found no violations of any noise ordinance.

Keller seems to think that the rural character of Arundel should take precedence over the economic facts of life. Bentley’s employs as many as 40 people. Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised by riders from Bentley’s, dollars that go to the town to help pay for numerous town-wide efforts. All of the economic good that comes from such a successful business could be lost if opponents succeed in closing the saloon by restricting the owner’s ability to stay successful.

In short, Keller sounds like the man who would shoot the goose that lays the golden eggs simply because he doesn’t like to hear it honk.

Martha Jones

Wells